EmployeeNet

It’s almost time for the big switch!  Things are coming together and ops is prepared with extra staff to help make the transition as smooth as possible.  Beginning on Sunday, June 11, 2023 there will be extra road supervisors in addition to the ride guide staff in the field in order to help with questions, guide passengers, and help support drivers adjusting to the new system with end of the line turn arounds and other logistical changes.  Below are a few things that you’ll need to be on the lookout for after we begin the new system.

• Junction and Watts transfers

  • A road construction project has impacted our turn-around and staging plans at Junction and Watts.  Make sure to pick up a map about where to stage at dispatch.
  • Route 55 transfers may be tight as the construction has also impacted pedestrian features making it more difficult for passengers to get to the 55 depending on what route they are transferring from. Please be patient and vigilant for passengers trying to catch the 55.
• Milwaukee St. Queue Jump
  • The jump signal is installed and functioning as it should.  When utilizing the jump, be prepared to stop at the red signal under the bridge (second signal).  The jump is ahead of the first green light so you’ll make it to the second signal before it changes to green.  Wait time will be short but you’ll have to stop.  I initially thought it would be a free flow to the left through the entire intersection but WIS DOT was unable to make it happen with the signal timing.
  • Motorists may complain.  While testing the jump, we had some interesting hand signals from a motorist who thought we were running the red light.  They don’t know the bus is legal to make this maneuver and some react poorly.  Ignore any upset motorist, we will handle the complaints as they come in.
  • The bus lane marking has not been completed.  We will have to operate without it for a few days until they mark it next week.  There could be conflicts with cars in the lane from time to time.  Please be patient.  The lane will be marked as a bus lane early next week.

WATCH VIDEO

• Randall at Vilas traffic circle

  • The traffic circle project on Randall at Vilas is incomplete (Route O).  Use caution and take it slow while crossing the intersection.  The circle will be converted to more of a football shape at somepoint this summer to open up more space for buses to cross the intersection.

• Bus stop signs

  • The installation of new bus stop signs has been delayed by a sign contractor issue.  We are currently posting laminated signs on the current poles but the old signage will remain until they are switched out with permanent new signs.  There could be mistakes or missing signs.  Make sure to err on the side of caution and serve all stops on your route regardless of signage while people get acclimated.
• Packers at Aberg
  • Route B - Don’t forget to exit Packers at Aberg to serve bus stops at the intersection.  The concrete pads aren’t installed yet but the signs are up.
• Turn list
  • Watch for errors.  Make sure to report any errors that you find so we can send out updates.  Round-a-bouts are indicated as traffic circles on the turn list.  I find it a bit tricky to understand and will be working on an update to make things a bit more clear in the turn list in regard to round-a-bouts.  Please make sure to review your route and if you’re not clear on something, don’t hesitate to call and ask.
• Sun Prairie Grand Ave. Signage Missing
  • Route S - Westbound Windsor to Left on Grand is missing a street sign.  There is no sign for Grand Ave.  Grand is the next left after Ironwood.  Grand is also a County Highway and there is a sign for County Highway C.  There is a Walgreens sign on the south side of the intersection.  The intersection has 2 left turn lanes making it somewhat unique.  The issue is Windsor St. is also a State Highway.  WISDOT is responsible for signage.  We have a request in to get a sign for Grand but it may take a while. 
• Timepoints
  • Make sure to be extra vigilant with timepoints and don’t run early.  The schedule will need adjustment and running times will likely be off.  You may find a need to kill time more often until you develop a feel for how things work.  It is extra important to make sure we are not running early as most transfers are dependant on the street timepoints rather than the transfer point pulse.
• Reporting
  • As we navigate and learn the new system, your feedback is important.  Make sure to report suggestions and concerns as you encounter them.  This data will be important to help justify and make adjustments moving forward both for you and our riders.
• Bus Data Download
  • Buses will be downloading new data from the wifi starting on Sunday.  MDTs will not power up until the download is complete.  This may take several minutes.  Do not turn the ignition off or try and restart.  It will interrupt the download. 
• Destination Signs
  • The automatic sign change feature may not be functioning on buses.  Make sure to watch your signs.  This should resolve after another data download mid-week.

Do not hesitate to ask questions!

Thank you!  This is the biggest change for us since 1998 and everyone should be proud that they are part of the first group to operate this system.  There will be challenges and adjustments but overall, we are on the right track to make Metro’s transit system better!